Category Archives: Poplar Lake

It’s been interesting for me to watch the roll-out of Poplar Lake across the country since its release. Take Indigo. In Week 1, copies were available in a few Indigo/Chapters outlets in Toronto and Ottawa. In Week 2 it reached Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Montreal. In Week 3, it’s also in Regina and Edmonton. Volumes are tight, and it’s always hard to get display space, but I’m pleased to see coast to coast distribution thanks to the efforts of the Literary Press Group and Canadian Manga, NON’s distributors. Poplar Lake has already been added to library collections in several cities—spot it above at a branch in Toronto.

Last week the ebook version became available on Amazon, Indigo, and Barnes & Noble.

Publisher NON calls Poplar Lake “a darkly satiric novel about families and relationships and the day-to-day lies that sustain them, a tragicomedy rich with yearning, heartbreak, and love.” Terry Fallis, two-time winner of Canada’s Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, has said of it, “In Poplar Lake, Ron Thompson has written a captivating story, rich with humour and heart. I didn’t want it to end.”

Here are some photos from the fantastic Poplar Lake launch party this past Wednesday at the Pilot in Toronto. Was very pleased to have a full house and bask in the energy of so many wonderful friends. Thanks again to everyone who came for your enthusiasm and support, and especially to John Macmillan, for masterly performing as host and MC, and to Jacquie Maund and Kaitlin Thompson, for superbly welcoming and hosting guests as they arrived and over the course of the evening.

Thanks also to Michelle and the fine team at the Stealth Lounge, and to the blues duo of Robert Davis and Fraser Melvin who played the crowd home. Thank you to everyone who sent me photos – what you see here is the product of many cameras. And thanks to Chris Needham and Now or Never (NON) Publishing, for their generous support for the launch and their continuing hard work.

Poplar Lake is available in book stores (ask for it if it’s not on-shelf) and online from Amazon and Indigo. See it’s publisher page here. Terry Fallis, two-time winner of Canada’s Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, has said of it, “In Poplar Lake, Ron Thompson has written a captivating story, rich with humour and heart. I didn’t want it to end.”

Now that Poplar Lake is out, it’s fingers crossed for reviews and reader reaction. I’ll post here and on my Facebook Author Page as I receive news and feedback. Do please review it yourself on Goodreads, Amazon, your own blog, or in graffiti on the subway.

Wednesday night was the Launch Party for Poplar Lake. Here’s me looking nervous before everybody arrived. There was a great turnout (+100) and it was great fun, MC’d by my good friend, that inimitable Joycean, John Macmillan. Thank you to everyone who came out to help me celebrate, and to those who sent well-wishes. I very much appreciate your support and kindness in welcoming Poplar Lake into the world.

I’ve been very busy since the launch so bear with me. I will post photos and an update in the coming days.

Poplar Lake was released officially on October 15. It’s available in bookstores like McNally Robinson in Winnipeg and Saskatoon, Fanfare in Stratford, Coles in Yorkton, Book City (Bloor West) and Another Story in Toronto, and various national Chapters/Indigo outlets. My publisher NON and its distributor are working hard on visibility. If it’s not in your store, please ask when it’s arriving. The book is also available on-line in paper and e-format, on Amazon (.ca and .com), and Indigo.

I’m happy to announce that blues artists Robert Davis and Fraser Melvin will perform at the Poplar Lake launch party on Wednesday, October 17 at the Pilot Tavern in Toronto. Robert and Fraser are fixtures on the city’s blues scene. They’ve recently collaborated on Robert’s Cuban Blues CD which is slated for release in November.

Robert and Fraser are fantastic musicians and I’m honoured they’ve agreed to grace the evening. If you would like to attend, you are most welcome. The space is filling so reserve a spot – message me on my Facebook Author Page with your email and I will send you a direct Evite.

The Robert Davis Fraser Melvin Duo will perform a special set after the formal welcome

Cash bar and food service will be available all evening.

Copies of Poplar Lake will be available for purchase ($21 with GST; cash or cheque only please).

Poplar Lake is a stand-alone prequel to my 2015 novel, A Person of Letters. Terry Fallis, two-time winner of Canada’s Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, has said of it, “In Poplar Lake, Ron Thompson has written a captivating story, rich with humour and heart. I didn’t want it to end.”

Copies of Poplar Lake will be available for purchase ($21 with GST, cash only).

If you would like to attend, you are most welcome. Please message me on my Facebook Author Page with your email and I will send you a direct Evite.

Poplar Lake is a stand-alone prequel to my 2015 novel, A Person of Letters. Terry Fallis, two-time winner of Canada’s Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, has said of it, “In Poplar Lake, Ron Thompson has written a captivating story, rich with humour and heart. I didn’t want it to end.”

This month, Poplar Lake was cited on 49thShelf.com’s “Most Anticipated” fall fiction preview. I’m pleased to see it appear among such accomplished titles. 49thShelf focuses on Canadian books and authors. The reference to “49th” is a distinctly Canadian one, as the 49th parallel of latitude marks the southern Canadian border – at least in the part of the country I grew up in.

Poplar Lake is on course for release in October. There will be a launch event in Toronto on or about October 17 – details to follow.